Former ambassadors to the Holy See BienvenidoTantoco and Francisco Alba also showed their filial affection.

Thanking John Paul

Many Filipino priests were inspired by the holiness of Pope John Paul to become more committed to the priesthood. Among them was Fr. Emmanuel Colmenar who was inspired by the Pope’s 1981 visit to go back to the study of the priesthood, which he had left years earlier.

Colmenar’s coming to Rome was his way of thanking the late Pontiff.

With Colmenar were Fathers Tony Roxas of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bacoor, Cavite; Ronel Ilano of the Imus Cathedral; and Andy Manaog of the St. Joseph Parish in Carmona, Cavite. They came with 38 other pilgrims.

Another priest inspired by John Paul was Fr. Stephen Simangan, who was ordained by the Pope in 1993 in Seville, Spain. During the “kiss of peace” part in a Mass, when John Paul hugged him, Stephen said, “I was electrified.”

Most loved Pope

Alvin B. Cuñado, a doctor of civil law from University of Santo Tomas, called John Paul the “people’s Pope and the most loved Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.”

Former Sorsogon Gov. Sally Ante Lee said that even when he was still living, “Pope John Paul was already a saint.”

Fe Fontanilla Elane, a history teacher, and her husband Efren were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with their trip to the beatification.

Jane and Neil Villarito of Ava Travel in Cebu named their two sons after John Paul. They are Neil John Joseph and Neil John Emmanuel.

The 50th anniversary celebration of Rome’s Collegio Filippino fell on Sunday—the day of the beatification. Blessed John XXIII founded the residence of priests on Oct. 7, l96l.

At 3 p.m., Cardinal Rosales officiated Mass with Cardinal Vidal and other bishops.

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